James brothers and sisters are a big part of his life. Sice his mother is not able to handle the day to day life she appoints his siblings to act as the kings and queens of the home. James bases alot of his decisions off of their actions and teachings. This makes it dificult for james because his siblings have such different personalities. Dennis (70) and Helen (72) are a great example of conflicting personalities and actions.

Dennis
Dennis is James oldest brother. Being the oldest, he was the family ginny pig; that fact that he turned out so successful increases his amazingness. Dennis tavled all over the world witch is impressive considering he is black and came from a lower class family. He is an artist and always has money in his pocket. he is going to the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Dennis is a huge member of the civil rights students at the university but never lets that passion get in the way of his mothers wishes. James was tall and great looking.

Dennis is similar to Chris Gardner, the man the film the Pursuit of happiness was made in honor of. Chris Gardner was a lower class black citizen who worked his way to becoming a successful individual. Mr. Gardner had dreams of making himself a better person but always takes into consideration what is best for his son. he bases all of his decision on his family similar to the way Dennis makes sure none of his decisions conflict with the wish's of his family.
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When James looks to his brother Dennis he sees a god. Someone who is excellent at everything; making everyone around him proud. Dennis shows James he needs to work hard for what you want but you need to take in account everyone's feelings.

Helen
Helen is Jame's second oldest sister. Helen is an extremely talented artist and musician.Helen was the most artistic of the siblings. She grew to become a full-fledged hippie, ran away from home, and returned five years later with a nursing degree and a child. She is beautiful and a rebel. Once she made up her mind to do something there was no changing her mind and no punishment that could make her regret it. For example, Helen decided she did not want to play the piano in church anymore against her mothers demands. when she was beaten for it she did not even whimper and still refused to play in church. with this attitude, there was nothing her mother Ruth could do to make her go to school, keep her from running away from home, or actively supporting the civil rights movement. she does not take her mothers standers in account.

Helen is similar to Erin Gruwell, the woman Freedom Writers was made in honor of. Erin decided she needed to help the kids at her school overcome their racial differences and find the importance of education. Miss Gruwell goes against her father's and husband's discouragements, and the schools protests to do what she felt was right. Similarly to Helen, nothing was able to stop her, not even when her husband left her.
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When James looks at his sister Helen he sees a rebel. Someone who does what they want when they want to. Helen shows James thats inmopant to fight for what you think is important and don't let anything else stop you.Perhaps more than any of James's other siblings, her struggles with her background exemplify the political and racial turmoil of the 1960s. She eventually returned home, but her conflict with Ruth had a large impact in the lives of their family.

Both Dennis and Helen teach james the importance of Black Pride, not being ashamed to be a darker color, and the importance of equal rights. Both Stand as good examples for that part of James life. Race is a huge issue for james growing up; one his mother refused to go into. whithout anyone to guide him